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The changing roles of Zac Goldsmith

His decision triggered a costly by-election in December, and a shock defeat to the Liberal Democrat, Sarah Olney, after he ran as an independent candidate.

The Liberal Democrat MP will be running again, but it has not yet been announced who other parties are fielding as candidates.

But now he is back in the Tory fold and will continue to oppose the expansion of Heathrow Airport , despite the Government's backing for a third runway .

During his time as MP: Zac Goldsmith (second from left) and John McDonnell (third from right) deliver 100,000 signature petition about Kew Gardens to Downing Street

Constituency chairman Georgina Butler said: "We are delighted that Zac Goldsmith has been reselected as the Conservative candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston in the forthcoming General Election, and we look forward to having him back again as our representative in Parliament.

"After a resounding victory in the 2015 General Election, his absence from Parliament since last December has been a disappointment.

"He is widely regarded the best MP that Richmond Park and North Kingston has ever had, and we need him back to represent our residents effectively.

'He will continue the fight against Heathrow expansion'

"Far from being a hardened Brexiteer as his opponents have painted him, he will fight for the best deal for Britain.

"He has led on guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and is a champion of strong protection for the environment.

"He will also continue to lead the fight against Heathrow expansion, an issue which continues to concern our residents."